NJ Wrestler Wins 4th Region Title After Overturned Suspension: Report

HOLMDEL, NJ — The state wrestling champion from Saint John Vianney High School emerged victorious on Saturday after winning his fourth region wrestling title, according to a report from the Asbury Park Press.

Anthony Knox, who was previously disqualified from the tournament following a fight at a recent wrestling match, won the 126-pound title just one day after the NJ Superior Court issued a temporary restraining order on his suspension that allowed him to compete, the report said.

Knox won the 126-pound title by a technical fall over Lacey’s Aidan Flynn, according to the report. The score was 18-3 after the two-minute first period.

Knox’s victory comes after he was disqualified from the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) tournament due to a fight that broke out at a recent wrestling match in South Jersey.

The incident occurred at Collingswood High School, with spectators and wrestlers, including Knox, reportedly involved.

Following the fight, NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire issued a statement on the disqualification, which cited violations of the association’s sportsmanship policy and rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.

After Knox was disqualified, his family filed a lawsuit aimed at allowing Knox to continue competing.

On Friday, that goal was achieved when NJ Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels issued a temporary restraining order on Knox’s suspension, which will allow him to continue competing until further order of the court.

The NJSIAA has requested a proposed order for a stay, which is pending appeal with the same court, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In a video posted to his Instagram, Knox gave an update with a simple caption: “Back to the plan.”

On Monday, NJSIAA Executive Committee Officers Russell Petrocelli, Judy Finch-Johnson and Kurt Karcich issued a statement supporting Maguire, and reaffirming their commitment to "the integrity, consistency, and educational values of high school sports."

As volunteer leaders representing schools, athletic administrators, and educational organizations across New Jersey, the officers said they believe it is essential to speak directly on the matter to ensure “clarity, trust, and confidence in the policies that govern interscholastic competition.”

“We fully support NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire and her actions regarding the recent disqualification of a wrestler,” the statement said. “The Executive Director is responsible for enforcing the policies and bylaws established by this committee, and we recognize and appreciate her commitment to applying these rules fairly, consistently, and in the best interest of interscholastic athletics."

"Furthermore, we affirm her well-established legal authority to pursue legal remedies on behalf of the association when necessary to uphold NJSIAA’s mission and policies," the statement continued.

The statement goes on to say that rules are in place to be applied consistently and equitably, and that policies regarding eligibility, spectator behavior, and conduct ensure “fairness, order, and the integrity of the competition.”

“Without clear standards, the values that define interscholastic athletics would be undermined,” the statement said. “High school sports are a privilege, not a right. Every participant—athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators—shares responsibility for fostering an environment where sportsmanship and respect remain paramount.”

You can read the full report from the Asbury Park Press here.

Previous Coverage

• NJ Wrestler's Brawl Suspension Overturned, Report Says
• Disqualified Wrestler, Family Sue To Get Him Back In State Tourney: Report
• NJ High School Wrestling Star Disqualified From State Tournament Following Fight At Match
• NJ Wrestling Tourney Brawl Leads To 2 Arrests: Report